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Compare Lopressor vs. Prazosin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) and prazosin (Minipress) are both used to manage high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Metoprolol is a beta blocker that also treats chest pain and lowers the risk of death after a heart attack. It works by slowing down the heart, which reduces pressure on blood vessels and the heart's oxygen demand. Prazosin, on the other hand, is an alpha blocker that relaxes blood vessels to improve blood flow. While metoprolol is typically taken twice daily with food, prazosin is taken 2 to 3 times a day and can be taken with or without food. Common side effects of metoprolol include tiredness and dizziness, whereas prazosin often causes dizziness, headache, and drowsiness. Additionally, prazosin is sometimes used off-label for PTSD-related nightmares, though its effectiveness for this use is debated. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
    Prazosin (Minipress)
  • Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
    Prazosin (Minipress)

  • Summary of Lopressor vs. Prazosin

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is used to treat chest pain and high blood pressure. It's also used to lower the risk of death after a heart attack. This medication is taken by mouth, typically twice daily, though your dosage depends on what condition you have. Some side effects of metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) include dizziness or tiredness. Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is available as a brand name and generic tablet.

    Summary for Alpha blocker
    Prescription only

    Prazosin (Minipress) is an alpha blocker that's used to lower high blood pressure. It works by relaxing your blood vessels, so blood flows through more easily. Prazosin (Minipress) is taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times a day. But it isn't a first-choice medication to lower blood pressure because it can cause bothersome side effects like dizziness, headache, and sleepiness.

  • Indications of Lopressor vs. Prazosin

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chest pain (angina)
    •Lower risk of death after heart attack
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Pros and Cons of Lopressor vs. Prazosin

    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •First choice treatment to prevent chest pain (angina)
    •First choice treatment for people who've had a heart attack because it lowers the risk of death
    •A possible option for mothers who are breastfeeding
    •Less likely to cause breathing problems than with other beta blockers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic version
    Cons
    •Need to take with food
    •Need to take more than once a day
    •Not a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure, unless you have heart failure or heart disease
    •Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Stopping too suddenly can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke
    Pros and Const for Alpha blocker
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for lowering blood pressure
    •Older adults are at higher risk for side effects, like dizziness or drowsiness
    •Taken multiple times a day

  • Common Side Effects of Lopressor vs. Prazosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness (10%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Rash (5%)
    •Depression (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Headache (8%)
    •Drowsiness (8%)
    •Lack of energy (7%)
    •Weakness (7%)
    •Pounding heart (5%)
    •Nausea (5%)

  • Warnings of Lopressor vs. Prazosin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening chest pain and heart attacks
    •Heart failure
    •Slow heart rate
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Greater risk during surgery
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dangerously low blood pressure and risk of fainting
    •Painful erection (priapism)
    •Eye problems during surgery

  • Prices with our coupons for Lopressor vs. Prazosin

    Learn more about Metoprolol tartrate
    Learn more about Prazosin

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